When the temperature reaches single digits, as it did here at the High Pointe Inn on Cape Cod last night, I start looking for signs of spring. Chalk it up to a “Peter Pan” syndrome, but scanning my world for signs that spring is on the horizon cheers me up, gives me hope, and most importantly, helps me focus on the positive. “Accent the positive, eliminate the negative, and latch on to the affirmative…” a Johnny Mercer tune, pretty much outlines my approach to life.

So it was welcome news that the Red Sox equipment truck left Fenway Park yesterday and headed south to Fort Myers, Florida, home to Boston’s spring training. For many New Englanders that is the first and most significant sign that spring will indeed come to Red Sox nation. Catchers and pitchers report to camp on February 15, with the rest of the club reporting on the 19th. And once again, the quest begins.

But that is not the only sign of spring I look for in the days and weeks that lead up to the season opener. Each week, it seems, another harbinger of spring arrives. Here, in no particular order, are the ones that speak to me:

1. The goldfinches shed their winter green feathers for summer sunshine yellow.
2. Crocuses peek their heads up through the snow.
3. Spring peepers start to chirp.
4. Skunk cabbage returns to swampy areas.
5. Boston Gift Show.
6. Boston Flower Show.
7. Kreme ‘N Cone reopens.
8. Seafood Sam’s reopens.
9. Cooke’s Seafood reopens.
10. Captain Frosty’s reopens.
11. Sesuit Harbor Café reopens.
12. Forsythia buds.
13. Heritage Museum and Gardens reopens.
14. Steamship Authority high-speed ferry to Nantucket resumes
15. Nantucket Daffodil Festival.

Of course, you may spot a theme in numbers 7-11, but as a confirmed clam shack aficionado I have my priorities. But, if you’re in need of something to look forward to, we have a great “Spring Fling” package available from March 1 through May 14 that is sure to bring spring into your heart.

1.) We’re just about an hour door-to-door from Boston, and only an hour and 15 minutes from Providence. Get out of the city for a couple days of rest and relaxation on the beach. Construction on the Sagamore Bridge is now complete, the new flyover bridge entry from Route 3 eliminates the old nightmare of rotary traffic coming onto the Cape, and Route 6A, the Old King’s Highway, is newly paved and a pleasure to drive.

2.) All our favorite clam shacks are open for the season, serving up succulent fried clams, scallops, shrimp, oysters, and onion rings. It’s not officially summer until you’ve had your first lobster or clam roll of the season.

3.) Four Seas Ice Cream opens for its 76th season this Saturday, May 22 with its annual 15% off sale of your favorite flavor. Come down and grad a pint or two to take home.

4.) Cape Cod Beer just sent out this great post on Facebook: “We just got off the phone with your boss. He/she wants you to leave early today and enjoy the weather with a fresh Craft Beer to celebrate American Craft Beer Week. We wouldn’t lie.” Come taste the difference with a locally brewed “Beach Blond”.

5.) Cape Cod Restaurant Week continues through the 23rd of May, and Provincetown Restaurant Week is just beginning. Try a great dining experience for a fraction of the price.

6.) The rhodies are blooming at Heritage Museum and Gardens. Take a stroll through their lovely manicured grounds and go for a whirl around an authentic carousel.

7.) The 14th Annual Nantucket Wine Festival is celebrating all things vino through May 23rd. Take the Steamship Authority’s Fast Ferry and be on the island in just a little over an hour. It’s a great day trip from the High Pointe Inn.

8.) The Harbor Your Arts Artist Shanties open for the season on Saturday, May 22. Support the arts and score a great piece of local artwork at affordable prices.

9.) Truro Vineyards host the Coastal Wine Trails Kick-Off event on Sunday, May 23rd from 1-3PM. Nine wineries from Southeastern New England will be sampling their wines for the afternoon.

10.) Anthony Everett, co-host of Channel 5’s Chronicle HD, featured Cape Cod this week on this nightly news magazine. If you love Cape Cod’s natural charms – but can do without summer’s cars and crowds – spring is prime time. He samples some extremely fresh, world famous oysters, gets a dramatic picture of how Mother Nature is changing the shape of the seashore, and finds a taste of France by way of Las Vegas. Watch all three parts of the episode and see what all the buzz is about.

Part One

Part Two

Part Three